Making a referral
is straightforward.

We accept referrals from housing, probation, recovery and health services.

Open Hands Coventry is a peer-led recovery charity for adult men recovering from alcohol or drug dependency. Supported accommodation provides the stable base from which each resident follows an individual, structured recovery programme. Residents commit to abstinence, mutual responsibility and active participation in recovery. OHC is not a clinical treatment service.

Is OHC suitable?

OHC may be suitable for someone who is:

• Male, aged 18 or over
• Affected by alcohol or drug dependency
• Willing to engage with a structured recovery programme
• Ready to live in shared accommodation with other men in recovery
• Able and willing to support other residents
• Able to manage daily life in a communal setting without one-to-one clinical support
• Not subject to restrictions that would make communal living unsafe or unworkable

Mental health concerns do not automatically prevent someone from coming to OHC. We consider each person individually, including whether their needs can be safely supported within our charity.

OHC may not be suitable where someone has acute or severe mental health needs requiring regular clinical oversight, or where there is a level of risk that cannot be safely managed within the accommodation.

Being prescribed methadone is not an automatic barrier. We may accept someone who is stable on a prescribed methadone programme and is committed to reducing it over time, in consultation with their prescriber and when medically appropriate. Any reduction must be planned and supervised by the relevant healthcare professional.

Expectations are clear from the start.

Residents must:

• Remain abstinent from alcohol and non-prescribed drugs
• Take prescribed medication as directed
• Take part in house meetings and the recovery programme
• Maintain their room and shared areas
• Contribute to the running of the house
• Take an active part in peer support

These expectations are central to the OHC model.

Structured support built around peer experience.

Support at OHC is built around the Helper Principle: one person in recovery helping another. Residents support one another as part of their own recovery. This peer support is recognised and recorded as part of the programme.

Residents are also supported by permanent staff, experienced volunteers and senior residents in house leadership roles. Additional help includes support with benefits, housing, debt and digital access.

All support staff and volunteers have Enhanced DBS checks and Level 2 Safeguarding training.

Residents are encouraged to use local gyms and take part in physical activity. They are also supported to explore education, training and volunteering opportunities.

Each resident follows an individual recovery programme shaped around his needs, circumstances, risks, abilities and progress. The programme may bring together abstinence and relapse prevention, individual support, peer and mutual-aid support, daily structure, practical responsibilities, health and wellbeing, relationships, education, training and volunteering. Those who complete the main programme may progress to second-stage supported accommodation.

Not sure whether OHC is suitable? Call us before making a referral. We will give you an honest answer.